The direct carboxylation of alcohols and polyols to afford linear and cyclic carbonates, respectively, is a hot topic because the latter find application in several fields, including the production of new materials. The reaction is quite simple, (Eq. 1) but suffers thermodynamic limitations. The conversion yield and selectivity2ROH  +  CO2   ?   (RO)2CO  +  H2O                                             1are influenced by the formation of water, the only co-product, that also influences the catalyst life and TON.In this paper, the reaction energetic profiles will be discussed depending on the catalyst used and the relevant reaction mechanism.Also, the use of urea as an active form of CO2 will be illustrated.

Insight into the reaction mechanism of the carboxylation of alcohols and polyols using homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts

245th National Meeting (2013)

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